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McCarthy, T. (2000). Snow Leopard Conservation Comes of Age. |
McCarthy, T. (2000). Ecology and Conservation of Snow Leopards, Gobi Brown Bears, and Wild Bactrian Camels in Mongolia. Ph.D. thesis, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, .
Abstract: Snow leopard ecology, distribution and abundance in Mongolia were studied between 1993 and 1999. I placed VHF and satellite radio-collars on 4 snow leopards, 2 males and 2 females, to determine home ranges, habitat use, movements, and activity. Home ranges of snow leopards in Mongolia were substantially larger than reported elsewhere. Males ranged over 61 – 142 km2 and female 58 to 1,590 km2. Cats had crepuscular activity patterns with daily movements averaging 5.1 km. Intraspecific distances averaged 1.3 km for males to 7.8 km for males. Leopards selected moderately to very-broken habitat with slopes > 20o, in areas containing ibex. Leopard distribution and abundance was determined using sign surveys. Leopard range in Mongolia is approximately 103,000 km2 but cats are not uniformly distributed within that range. High-density areas include the eastern and central Transaltai Gobi and the northern Altai ranges. Relative leopard densities compared well with relative ibex densities on a regional basis. A snow leopard conservation plan was drafted for Mongolia that identifies problems and threats, and provides an action plan. Wild Bactrian camels occur in the Great Gobi National Park (GGNP) and are thought to be declining due to low recruitment. I surveyed camels by jeep and at oases, observing 142 (4.2% young) and 183 (5.3% young) in 1997 and 1998. Current range was estimated at 33,300 km2. Some winter and calving ranges were recently abandoned. Track sizes and tooth ages from skulls were used to assess demographics. A deterministic model was produced that predicts camel extinction within 25 to 50 years under current recruitment rates and population estimates. Gobi brown bears are endemic to Mongolia and may number less than 35. Three population isolates may occur. I collected genetic material from bears at oases using hair traps. Microsatellite analyses of nuclear DNA determined sixteen unique genotypes, only two of which occurred at more than one oases. Genetic diversity was very low with expected heterozygosity = 0.32, and alleles per locus = 2.3. Mitochondrial DNA sequences were compared to other clades of brown bear and found to fall outside of all known lineages.
Keywords: snow leopard; Uncia uncia; Mongolia; radio-collar; habitat use; movements; ecology; wild camel; brown bear; 5340
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McCarthy, T. (2003). Snow Leopard Survival Strategy. Seattle, WA: International Snow Leopard Trust; Snow Leopard Network.
Abstract: The Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS) is a blueprint to guide the work of organizations and individuals working to conserve the endangered snow leopard. The SLSS was drafted in a collaborative fashion and includes the input of more than 65 of the world's leaders in snow leopard research and conservation. Implementation of the SLSS is overseen by the Snow Leopard Network (SLN), a partnership of organizations and individuals from government and private sectors who work together for the effective conservation of the snow leopard, its prey, and its natural habitat to the benefit of people and biodiversity
Keywords: snow; leopard; strategy; survival; conservation; network; poaching; community; community-based; Pra; participatory; rural; assessment; threat; threats; leopards; trafficking; Slss; 5150
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McCarthy, T., Fuller, T., & Munkhtsog, B. (2005). Movements and activities of snow leopards in Southwestern Mongolia (Vol. 124).
Abstract: Four adult (2M:2F) snow leopards (Uncia uncia) were radio-monitored (VHF; one also via satellite) year-round during 1994-1997 in the Altai Mountains of southwestern Mongolia where prey densities (i.e., ibex, Capra siberica) were relatively low (0.9/km2). Marked animals were more active at night (51%) than during the day (35%). Within the study area, marked leopards showed strong a.nity for steep and rugged terrain, high use of areas rich in ungulate prey, and a.nity for habitat edges. The satellite-monitored leopard moved more than 12 km on 14% of consecutive days monitored. Home ranges determined by standard telemetry techniques overlapped substantially and were at least 13-141 km2in size. However, the satellite-monitored individual apparently ranged over an area of at least 1590 km2, and perhaps over as much as 4500 km2. Since telemetry attempts from the ground were
frequently unsuccessful dx¬ 72%_, we suspect all marked animals likely had large home ranges. Relatively low prey abundance in the area also suggested that home ranges of >500 km2were not unreasonable to expect, though these are >10-fold larger than measured in any other part of snow leopard range. Home ranges of snow leopards may be larger than we suspect in many areas, and thus estimation of snow leopard conservation status must rigorously consider logistical constraints inherent in telemetry studies, and the relative abundance of prey. Keywords: snow leopard; Uncia uncia; Mongolia; satellite radio-telemetry; home range; activity patterns; 6310
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McCarthy, T., Breitenmoser, U., & Breitenmoser-Wursten, C. (2008). A king of snow peaks, another endangered flagship species. Man & the Biosphere, 54(6), 1.
Abstract: The preface of this journal mainly introduces the distribution areas and present living situation of the Snow Leopards. For saving the endangered and solitary mountain species, The Snow Leopard Trust is a leader in effort to secure the future of the felines, besides the authors emphasize that China plays great important role in the protection, because among the snow leopards range countries, China has the most habit and is believed to harbor the largest number of snow leopard.
Keywords: Chinese; endangered; flagship-species; snow leopard; species
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McCarthy, T. M., & Chapron, G. (2003). Snow Leopard Survival Strategy. Seattle, USA: International Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Network.
Abstract: I. SNOW LEOPARD: REVIEW OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND STATUS
This Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS) was undertaken to provide comprehensive conservation and research guidelines to ensure a range-wide coordinated effort in the fi ght to save the endangered snow leopard and had the following specific goals: Assess and prioritize threats to snow leopard survival on a geographic basis. Defi ne and prioritize conservation, education, and policy measures appropriate to alleviate threats. Prioritize subjects for snow leopard research and identify viable or preferred research methods. Build a network of concerned scientists and conservationists to facilitate open dialogue and cross-border cooperation. Gain consensus on a fundamental Snow Leopard Survival Strategy document that will be made available to the range states to aid conservation planning at national and local levels. The highly participatory process started with a survey of specialists designed to gather information on perceived threats to snow leopards, appropriate actions to address threats, knowledge gaps, protected area status, policy and law issues, impediments to achieving conservation of snow leopards, and cultural relevance of snow leopards. Drafts of a Strategy were circulated and then the Snow Leopard Survival Summit was convened in Seattle, USA from 21-26 May 2002 and was attended by 58 of the specialists to debate issues and refi ne the Strategy. This SLSS document is the end product of that process. Background on the snow leopard The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a member of the Felidae subfamily Pantherinae and on the basis of morphology and behavior it is placed alone in a separate genus. They are found in 12 countries across Central Asia (China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia). China contains as much as 60% of the snow leopard's potential habitat. Inaccessible and difficult terrain, along with the secretive nature of this rare cat helps account for the fact that large parts of its range have yet to be surveyed. Between 4,500 and 7,350 snow leopards are thought to occur within a total potential habitat area of 1,835,000 km2. Snow leopards are generally solitary and mating usually occurs between late January and midMarch, and one to five cubs are born after a gestation period of 93 to 110 days, generally in June or July. Snow leopards are closely associated with the alpine and subalpine ecological zones, preferring broken, rocky terrain with vegetation that is dominated by shrubs or grasses. Home range size and shape is not well known. The home range size of five snow leopards in prime habitat in Nepal ranged from 12 to 39 km2, with substantial overlap between individuals and sexes. In Mongolia, where food resources may be scarcer, home ranges of both males and females exceeded 400 km2. Snow leopards are opportunistic predators capable of killing prey up to three times their own weight. They will also take small prey such as marmot or chukar partridge. In general, their most commonly taken prey consists of wild sheep and goats (including blue sheep, Asian ibex, markhor, and argali). Adult snow leopards kill a large prey animal every 10-15 days, and remained on the kill for an average of 3-4 days, and sometimes up to a week. Predation on livestock can be significant, which often results in retribution killing by herders. Snow Leopards are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List in that they do not meet the standards of Critically Endangered but are projected to decline by 50% or more over next 3 generations due to potential levels of exploitation (trade in pelts/bones and conflict with livestock), and due to declining: 1) area of occupancy, 2) extent of occurrence, and 3) quality of habitat (prey depletion). They appear in Appendix I of both CITES and the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Snow Leopards are protected nationally over most of its range, with the probable exception of Afghanistan. However, in some countries the relevant legislation may not always be very effective, e.g. because penalties are too low to function as deterrent, or they contain some significant loopholes. II. THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS Regional Assessment This document attempts to list and discuss the threats, conservation actions and information needs pertinent to snow leopard survival. However, these vary substantially across the vast extent of snow leopard range, so no prescription will be universally applicable. We used a regional approach and for purposes of grouping areas where conditions may be similar, we looked at geography, political boundaries, cultural/religious influences, and rural livelihoods. Within that framework we defined four broad regions: Himalaya (HIMLY), Karakorum/Hindu Kush (KK/HK), Commonwealth of Independent States and W. China (CISWC), The Northern Range of Russia, Mongolia and N. China (NRANG) SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY Threats to Snow Leopard Survival A key component of the SLSS process was to identify threats to long-term snow leopard survival across their range. The following list is the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders in Asia and the expert group at the SLSS Summit. Threats are grouped into four broad categories 1) Habitat and Prey related, 2) Direct Killing of Snow Leopards, 3) Policy and Awareness, and 4) Other Issues. List of Threats Category 1: Habitat and Prey Related 1.1 Habitat Degradation and Fragmentation 1.2 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Illegal Hunting 1.3 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Legal Hunting 1.4 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Competition with Livestock 1.5 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Disease 1.6 Fencing that Disrupts Natural Migration Category 2: Direct Killing or Removal of Snow Leopards 2.1 Killing of Snow Leopards in Retribution for Livestock depredation 2.2 Poaching Snow Leopards for Trade in Hides or Bones 2.3 Museum Collection of Live Animals 2.4 Traditional Hunting of Snow Leopards 2.5 Secondary Poisoning and Trapping of Snow Leopards 2.6 Diseases of Snow Leopards Category 3: Policy and Awareness 3.1 Lack of Appropriate Policy 3.2 Lack of Effective Enforcement 3.3 Lack of Trans-boundary Cooperation 3.4 Lack of Institutional Capacity 3.5 Lack of Awareness among Local People 3.6 Lack of Awareness among Policy Makers Category 4: Other Issues 4.1 War and Related Military Activities 4.2 Climate Change 4.3 Human Population Growth and Poverty (indirect threat) Potential Actions to Address Threats Several methods are identified and elaborated in this document and they include: Grazing Management: Promote livestock grazing practices that reduce impacts on native wildlife, in particular snow leopard prey species. Wildlife-based Ecotourism: Establishing wildlife based tourism that provides jobs and financial benefits to local people will add economic value to wildlife and create incentives to protect the resource. Cottage Industry: Provide income generation opportunities for communities in snow leopard habitat through handicraft manufacture and marketing opportunities with direct and transparent linkages to wildlife conservation via contracts that provides positive incentives for compliance. Ungulate Trophy Hunting Programs: Establish or restructure trophy hunting programs that are sustainable, well monitored and provide return to local people as an incentive to protect ungulates. Community co-management of hunting program should be encouraged where ever appropriate. Reducing Poaching and Trade in Snow Leopard Parts: Determine location, nature and extent of snow leopard poaching for trade and bring pressure, both legal and educational, to limit same. Reducing Livestock Depredation by Snow Leopards: Encourage livestock husbandry practices that reduce depredation by snow leopards and other predators. Animal Husbandry: Provide training in animal husbandry and veterinary care to improve monetary return at lower stock levels, limit exposure to predation, and reduce impacts on pasture and rangelands. Conservation Education and Awareness: Raise awareness of snow leopard conservation issues, concerns, need for action, legal matters, etc, through variety of media among different audiences. III. RESEARCH AND INFORMATION NEEDS During the process of listing the threats to snow leopards and the required conservation actions, a set of information needs was also identified. Hence, the list below encompasses the knowledge required to carry-out urgent conservation actions. Master List of Information Needs R.1 Snow leopard distribution and “hot spots” R.2 Snow leopard migration and dispersal routes R.3 Snow leopard population size R.4 Snow leopard population trends and factor responsible for changes R.5 Protected Area coverage extent and representation of habitats (gap analysis) R.6 Agents of habitat degradation and relative impacts R.7 Snow leopard prey relationships R.8 Prey species distribution and “hot spots” R.9 Prey population baseline and trends R.10 Dynamics of illegal ungulate hunting (sources, local need, uses, trade, etc.) R.11 Dynamics of legal ungulate harvest and baseline statistics (sex/age, effort, trophy size, etc.) R.12 Wild ungulate livestock interactions (competition) R.13 Ungulate disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment R.14 Snow leopard poaching levels R.15 Illegal trade in wildlife parts market demand, sources and routes, value, etc. R.16 Livestock depredation rates SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY | xi R.17 Livestock depredation causes R.18 Grazing pressure and range conditions R.19 Snow leopard disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment R.20 Snow leopard home-range size and habitat use R.21 Snow leopard social structure and behavior R.22 Snow leopard population genetics R.23 Snow leopard food habits R.24 Snow leopard relationship to other predators R.25 Economic valuation of snow leopards R.26 Snow leopard monitoring techniques development/improvement R.27 Socio-economic profiling of herder communities in snow leopard habitat R.28 Methods to alleviate impacts of war R.29 Livestock and human population status and trends R.30 Analysis of existing policies and laws R.31 Human attitudes to snow leopards IV. COUNTRY ACTION PLANNING The SLSS should be seen as a tool to aid in the development of country-specifi c Action Plans. In general Action Planning leaders should review the SLSS and then: Analyze the problems and choose the proper scale, Identify the key stakeholders and integrate them into the planning process at the beginning, (i.e. ensure a broadly participatory process), Choose a multi-level approach if the problems and stakeholders are particularly diverse, Seek to identify achievable and appropriate actions, Build monitoring of results into the Plan. The Action Planning process need not be done in a vacuum. The Snow Leopard Network (see below), can provide much needed assistance in terms of expertise and advice during the planning process. Collectively, the SLN membership has experience in nearly every area of snow leopard related conservation, research, education, and policy. They can be approached for assistance through the International Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Suite 325, Seattle, Washington, 98103, USA, on their website http://www.snowleopard.org/sln/ or via email at <info@snowleopard.org>. V. TAKING THE SLSS FORWARD A key outcome of the SLSS Workshop was the creation of the Snow Leopard Network (SLN). The SLN is a partnership of organizations and individuals from government and private sector who work together for the effective conservation of the snow leopard, its prey, and their natural habitat to the benefi t of people and biodiversity. The initial members of the SLN are the specialist who worked together on the SLSS. Carrying the SLSS forward was the impetus for developing the Network. Keywords: snow leopard; survival; threats; conservation; action; research; 5350
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Medvedev D.G. (2003). Distribution and migration of the snow leopard in Baikal region.
Abstract: It provided description of snow leopard distribution in Eastern Sayan, South Transbaikalia and mountains of Baikal lake as well as its migratory ways within the region.
Keywords: Russia; Baikal region; distribution; Migration; snow leopard.; 7630; Russian
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Meklenburtsev R.N. (1949). About ecology of ibex in Pamir (Vol. Vol. 28, edition 5.).
Abstract: Ibex is distributed all over the Pamir mountains, inhabiting rocks and canyons and ascending up to 5,500 m above sea level. In summer, ibex mostly feeds upon sedge and cereals, in winter wormwood. It keeps in herds containing 15 to 30 animals. The coupling period is December; kids being born at the beginning of June. The most dangerous predators are snow leopard and wolf. Ibex is a main commercial game species.
Keywords: Tajikistan; Pamir; ibex; distribution; number; diet; reproductive biology; predators; snow leopard; commercial use.; 7640; Russian
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Ming, M., XuFeng, Turghan, M., & Shoujin, Y. (2004). Report on Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) Surveys in Tomur, Xinjiang, China 2004. Xinjian, P.R. of China: Xinjiang Snow Leopard Group; Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography; Chinese Academy of Science.
Abstract: The Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) investigation in the Tomur area is the second step of the “Project of Snow Leopard Study in Xinjiang”. In this part of the project, we collected information on the distribution , abundance and population size of the snow leopard in this area. The investigation lasted for 3 weeks, between October 17 and November 7th, 2004. During the 22 days of field work, we surveyed 4 different places in Wensu County, Aksu District: e.g. Pochenzi and the Muzat River area, Bozdun and the Little Kuzbay River area, Yinyar and the Tomur River area, Taglak and the Qiong Tailan River area. The 4 main areas, along with a few other valleys, covered most of the Tomur National Conservation Zone. In total, we ran 42 transects. In 15 transects, we found signs left by snow leopards. We also collected 15 fecal samples for diet analysis. This time we interviewed nearly 90 local people from different nationalities: e.g. Han (Chinese), Uygur and Kyrgyz people, including herdsmen, geologists, mineworkers, drivers, veterinarians, businessmen, forest officials, soldiers and policemen. They provided us with an array of information on the historical and current distribution and abundance of the snow leopard in this area.
Keywords: snow leopard; Uncia uncia; survey; distribution; abundance; population size; Tomur; Xinjiang; P.R.China; 5710
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Ming, M., Munkhtsog, B., Xu, F., Turghan, M., Yin, S. -jing, & Wei, S. - D. (2005). Markings as Indicator of Snow Leopard in Field Survey, in Xinjiang.
Abstract: The Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) was a very rare species in China. The survey on the markings of Snow Leopard in Ahay and Tianshan Mountains is the major activity of the Project of Snow Leopard in Xinjiang, supported by International Snow Leopard Trust(ISLT)and Xinjiang Conservation Fund(XCF). During the field work from Sep to Nov 2004 the Xinjiang Snow Leopard Group(XSLG) set 67 transects of a total length of 47 776 m with mean transect length is 7 1 3 m at 9 locations.Total of 1 l 8 markings of Snow Leopards were found in 27 transects the mean density is 247km. The markings of Snow Leopard included the pug marks or footprints, scrapes, feces, bloodstain, scent spray, urine, hair or fur, claw rake, remains of prey corpse, sleep site, roar and others. From the quantity and locations of marks the XSLG got the information on habitat selection distribution region and relative abundance of the Snow Leopard in the study areas. The survey also provided knowledge on distribution and abundance of major prey potential conservation problems and human attitudes to Snow Leopards by taking 200 questionnaires in the study areas.
Keywords: markings; marking; snow leopard; leopard; field survey; Xinjiang; Chinese; Uncia uncia; Uncia-uncia; China; Tianshan Mountains; conservation; field work; length; snow leopards; snow-leopards; density; densities; pug; pug marks; marks; scrapes; scrape; feces; scent; spray; Hair; fur; prey; habitat; Habitat selection; selection; distribution; region; relative abundance; abundance; study; areas; knowledge; potential; conservation problems; Human; attitudes; attitude; 200
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